Cutting block



- w. RFORSYTH CUTTING BLOCK Filed April 23. 1923 Fig. 2.

WV/ENTUR Fatented Aug. 5, 1924.

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W L AM. B.- E asr i -t W MRsco' w-renews, ss nce T WEED srron nonrnnnr oonro sn'rrpn, or, rarnsson, NEW, JERSEY, A ooanonarmn on NEW JERSEY.

CUCETINGBLQCK. i

To all whom it mag concern Be it; known that I WILLIAM R. Fonsiqrl-r, a citizen of the United States, residing at Swampscott, in the county of Essex and State of'Massachusetts, have inventedcertain Improvements in Cutting Blocks, of which the following. description, in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, is a specification, likereference characters on the drawings indicating likeparts in the several figures.

llhis inventionrelates to cutting blocks and, more particularly, tocutting blocks for use with. presses employed inthecutting of sheet material. I c

As commonly constructed; cutting blocks of the kind. referred to. comprise a relatively large number or. block sections secured to gether inf layers in such. manner that the grain of: the WOOd is disposed. substantially at a, right angle to the cutting surfaceof -the completed block. These block sections are bound together by. side ironsiadjustably connected: together so that the sections may be firmly clamped in the desired relation to each other at the time ofrassemblingthe sec tions and so that the side ironsmaybe. subsequently adjusted if the necessity should arise to take care. ofshrinkage inthe wooden material Of the block. In the past it has always been a. difficult task, seldom if: ever satisfactorily accomplished, to maintain. a proper cutting surface on blocks used: for

Wet Work such, for instance, as that involved inthe cutting. of; raw rubber in sheets, In

order to prevent the raw rubber from stick ing to. the block and: to. the dies it is customaryto Wet the rubber stock. Thlsmolsture spreads tothe block and causes.eXpan-- sion and; subsequent contraction. of. various port ons of; the block and. in varying degrees in. the dliiierent portions. so that the block of mn becomes distorted due to excessive. eX-,

pansion ini certain parts of the block. fol'-. lowed by 'looseness among. the individual bloclr sections upon. shrinkage, since the side irons. in these prior constructions are not sufficiently elastioto follow the blocks fully in; their shrinkage, It not infrequently hape pens that the side irons arebroken, due to excessive; expansion of the bloclg'and where this does-kno occur the. upper: cutting surface brooms,- out during, expansion and opens-,-

yield upon expansion of; the block or any part thereof and to-maintain proper pressure on all portions of; the block during contraction thereof due to shrinkage in the block materiali In the illustrative block the retaining members are coiiiiected vitli each other in such a manner as to permitof; expansion of the block both longitudinally and transversely thereof, the arrangement being such that all portions are-equallyfree to expand: An important featureofth'eblock relatesto the provision of-means fol-insuring. that the retaining members retain their efficiency during the shrinkage of the bloclr or of any part thereof: through an elasticity which causes the retaining'members to follow up the block portions at alltimes during shrink age to hold the latter firmly clamped and thus avoid the opening up of; cracks or; crevicesv m. the cuttlng surface of the block.

Asshown, eachind'ividualcross bar extend ing transversely of the block is provided- Witlr spring means for retaining the ad jacent portions of the block under yielding pressure. lhe provision of a relatively largenLun-ber of. these cross bars, preferably spaced rather closely WltlI-TQSPGGt to each other, is an. important factor in: maintaining the detailed specification and! pointed: out

in the appended claims.

In thedrayvings, Fig. l is a plan. view. showing a cutting block in position on the bed of a clicking machine Fig. 2 is a plan view of a cutting block showing another species of the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a detail view of the end of one of the side bars of the block shown in Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, it will be observed that the cutting block 4, below the presser arm 5 of the clicking machine, is made up of rows or layers of small blocks or sections 6 placed in close juxtaposition to each other and made of various sizes so that they may be readily arranged to break oints between the various sections. It will be understood that the blocks have been cut across the grain of the wood and arranged so that they stand with the grain of the wood substantially perpendicular to the cutting surface of the completed block. For retaining the block sections in their properly assembled relation there is provided a set of retaining frame members in dicated in general by the reference character 8. These retaining members include the rear side bar 10, the end bars 12, and the front side bar 14. As clearly indicated in the drawing, the ends of the bar 14 pass with a close fit through perforations in the corresponding ends of the end bars 12. On the contrary, the bar 10 has its ends passing through elongated slots 15 in the other ends of the end bars 12. Since the end bar at the right end of the block in Fig. 1 may slide freely on the ends of the side bars 10 and 14, expansion of the block in a direction longitudinally thereof is freely provided for. Similarly, expansion of the block in a direction transversely thereof may take place freely since the side bar 10 is movable with respect to the end bars 12 in a direction lengthwise of the slots 15.

As heretofore stated, means is provided for resisting the expansion of the block and for following up the block as it shrinks subsequently to expansion so as to retain the block constantly under pressure in all directions, thereby preventing the'opening up of cracks or crevices between the small blocks or sections which constitute the cut ting block. In the block shown in Fig. 1, there is interposed between the ends of the side bars 10 and 14 and one of the end bars 12 a relatively heavy spring member, 16 which thus constitutes a single spring means common to the two side bars 10 and 14 and 'sections so that the perforation for the rod is formed of two grooves, one in each surface of the opposed layers of blocks, the purpose being to have the rods so positioned that they will not be affected by the expansion and contraction of the individual sections. For contacting with the side bar 14 each rod 30, 34 is provided with a relatively large rounded head presenting a smooth surface so that there is no obstruction or dangerous projecting part at the front of the block where the workman stands. These heads of the bolts are relatively large so that they may engage firmly on opposite sides of the elongated slots through which the bolts pass in the side bar 14, the purpose of the slots being to permit of expansion of the block in its longitudinal direction without hindrance from the transverse bolts 30, 34. At the opposite end, each bolt 30, 34 projects a considerable distance beyond the side bar 10 in order that a spring 38 may be interposed between the retaining nut 40 and the adjacent surface of the side bar 10. These springs 38, one for each cross bar, 30, 34 serve to retain the side bar 10 yieldingly in contact with the cutting block 4 during expansion and contraction of the block in a direction transversely thereof. As before stated, the bolts 30 are closely adjacent to each end of the cutting block so that the' yielding means designed to compensate for expansion and contraction transversely of the block may operate closely adjacent to the ends of the block as well as at points inter mediate between the ends of the block. It will be understood that another form of spring may be substituted for the leaf spring shown at 38, but the latter is preferred since it secures pressure at two points spaced at a considerable distance from each other on each side of each cross bar 30, 34.

In the species shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the end bars 50 and 52 pass through openings in the side bars 54 and 56 respectively. This change over the construction shown in Fig. 1, wherein the side bars 10 and 14 pass through-openings in the ends of the end bars 12, has the advantage of permitting the use of springs 58 at the ends of the end bars 50, 52 so that spring pressure is applied at the very end portions of the block to resist expansion of these portions of the block in a transverse direction. It will be observed that the end bar 52 passes snugly through openings in the ends of the bars 54, 56 Whereas the end bar 50 passes through elongated slots 60 in the ends of the side bars 56. Thus, expansion of the block 64: in a longitudinal direction is taken up through movement of the end bar 50 against the pressure of the spring 66, the spring being mounted on the ends of the side bars 54, 56 which pass through slots 67 in theends of the spring and support adjusting means such as the nuts and washers l8 and 20. For taking care of expansion and conv traction in a direction transversely of the block the side bar 56 is mounted 'for movement in a direction toward and from the side bar 54, bar 56 being slidably mounted upon the end bars 50, 52 and also upon the rods or bolts 68. For retaining the bar 56 yieldingly against expansive movement of parts or portions of the block 64 there is interposed between adjusting members 69 onthe ends of the bolts 68 and the adjacent surfaces of the side bar 56 springs 70 similar in all respects to the springs 38 in the species of the invention disclosed in Fig. 1. In addition, helical springs 72 may be provided in which case each bolt 68 has the effect of applying pressure yieldingly at three points upon the adjacent surfaces ofthe side bar 56.

It will be noted that the invention, ge nerically considered, involves the use of retaining members or a framework in which the more or less elastic members engage on every side of the cutting block, and spring members which permit expansion of the block and which cause'the frame-work or retaining members to clamp firmly and follow up the shrinking block, said spring members being arranged to operate upon the retaining members and not upon the block directly. By this arrangement the'individual sections which comprise the cutting block are maintained in alinement with adjacent sec tions with provision, however, for more or less local expansion against the yielding resistance afforded by the elastic. side irons and the yielding spring members provided for each'rel'atively restricted portion of the block. It is obvious that in the operations of cutting wet rubber stock it is likely to occur that some certain portion or portions of the block will receive more moisture than other portions and hence that greater ex pansive and contractive movements will take place in some localities of the block than in other portions thereof. Through the provision of relatively numerous transverse bolts carrying spring members for co-operation yieldingly with the retaining side members, these inequalities in the expanding and contracting movements of various portions of the block are readily taken careof, and the block as a whole maintained properly clamped with the adjacent sections in good' contact, thereby avoiding the opening up of seams or crevices which Would render the block less serviceable or even destroy its usefulness. t

It will be understood that the clamping or retaining frame isnot limited in its use to the special sectional block shown in the drawings nor to what is known generically as a sectional die block, it being obvious that the clamping frame herein disclosed may be used with any block subject to expansive and contrac't'ive movements of portions thereof during periods of use and disuse.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-of the United States is 1. A'clamping frame for a cutting block comprising interconnected side and end clamping members for exerting pressure on the block in direction-sboth longitudinally and transversely of the block, and spring members for applying yielding pressure upon all sides of the block.

2. A clamping frame for a cutting block comprising interconnected aside and end clamping members for exerting pressure on the block in directions both longitudinally and transversely of the block, a springmemher for applying yielding pressure in audirection longitudinally of the block, and a spring member for applying yielding pressure transversely of the block. t

3. A clamping frame for a cutting block comprising interconnected side and end clamping members for exerting pressure on the block in directions both longitudinally and transversely of the block, a spring for bearing upon the clamping member at one end of the block, and a spring for bearing upon a clamping member located at a right angle to the end clamping member.

4:. In a device for clamping the sides and ends of a cutting block, clamping members at opposite ends and sides of the block and connected to each other to provide a clamp- -ing frame for the block, a spring member connected to the'ends of the side clamping members to exert pressure upon the end clamping-members, and a spring member for exerting pressure upon the side clamp-- ing members to resist yieldingly expansion transversely of the block.

5. In a device for clamping the sides and ends of a cutting block, clamping members at opposite ends and sides of the block and connected to each, other to provide a clamping frame for the block, a spring member connected to the ends of the side clamping 'members to exert pressure upon the end clamping members, and a plurality of spring members for exerting pressure upon the side clamping members to resist yieldingly expansion transversely of the block.

' 6. In a cutting block comprising a plurality of wooden sections arranged to provide an even cutting surface for the block, side and end clamping members connected to each other around the block to provide a clamping frame therefor, a spring means connected to the ends of the side clamping members for exerting pressure upon the end clamping members to resist expansion longitudinally of the block and spring means for exerting pressure upon the side clamping members to resist expansion transversely of the block.

'7. In a cutting block comprising Wooden sections clamped together and arranged to provide an even surface for cutting operations upon sheet material, clamping members for holding the sections together comprising side clamping members and end clamping members for the block, one of said clamping members passing loosely through the adjacent ends of a pair of the other clamping members, and spring means for pressing each clamping member toward the clamping member opposed thereto.

8. In, a cutting block comprising sections clamped togetherto provide an even surface for the cutting block, side and end clamping members connected to each other around the block, a spring member connected to the ends of the side clamping members at one end of the block to exert pressure upon the end clamping members a plurality of bars passing transversely through the block, and spring members associated with the bars for pressing upon the side clamping members to resist expansion of the block in a transverse direction.

9. In a cutting block comprising sections clamped together to provide an even surface for the cutting block, side and end clamping members connected to each other around the I block, a spring member connected to the ends of the side clamping members at one end of the block to exert pressure upon the end clamping members, a plurality of bars passing transversely through the block, and a leaf spring associated with. each bar for pressing upon the side clamping members to resist expansion of the block in a transverse direction.

10. In a cutting block, side and end clamping members for exerting pressure on the block in directions both longitudinally and transversely of the block, and means for applying yielding pressure to the block to permit expansion and to maintain pressure during contraction thereof.

11. In a cutting block, side and end clamping members for exerting pressure on the block in directions both longitudinally and transversely of the block, said end clamping members comprising bars slotted to receive the ends of the side clamping members, and a spring member connected to the projecting ends of the side clamping members and arranged to exert pressure on the end clamping members.

12. In a cutting block, side and end clamping members for exerting pressure on the block in directions both longitudinally and transversely of the block, one of said side clamping members being arranged to pass through elongated slots in the ends of the end clamping members so that it move laterally relatively to the other side clamping member, cross bars connecting the side clamping members, and springs on the ends of the bars arranged toexert pressure upon the side clamping members yield'ingly to resist expansion of the block transversely thereof. 1

13. In a cutting block, clamping members at opposite ends and sides of the block and connected to each other to provide a clamping frame for the block, and spring means co-operating With the clamping members so that the block is free to expand,

14. In a cutting block, clamping membersat opposite ends and sides of the block and connected to each other to provide a clamping frame for the block, and spring members co-operating with the clamping members so that the block may expand both laterally and longitudinally.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

WILLIAM R. FORSYTH. 

